Vetcor at VMX 2024
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January 22, 2024
When we have a chance to get together in person as a large network, we know how to make the most it. This year at VMX, Vetcor was represented by a slew of service center team members as well as staff from many of our hospitals. The conversation was buzzing at our booth in the exhibit hall but we also were able to meet in a more intimate space at a Vetcor exclusive event. Those who participated in our first-ever Veterinary Mentorship Certification program had a special graduation night during VMX, and our Emerging Leaders Program had their kick-off event.
VMX 2024 boasted nearly 26,000 people at the event and our team members enjoyed talking to every one of them about Team Vetcor. It was a great chance to express the impact our network has had on them in their careers as well as the impact on the veterinary industry. Alexandra Prater from the marketing team shared, “VMX was incredible! It was great to see Team Vetcor be rockstars at the booth and create so many worthwhile connections.” Kerrin Venafra, Director of Business Development, helped staff the booth and had this to say about Vetcor team members stopping by, “My favorite part was when other Vetcor employees came by the booth to say hello, and we asked how things were going at their practices. It was a resounding ‘Things are great; no complaints; I'm here because Vetcor invested in us to come here to learn and bring new ideas back to our practice’. It was so wonderful to hear such complimentary feedback from so many different employees across our network of hospitals.”
Team Vetcor was invited to a networking event on Sunday night. Conversations flourished, games were played, and laughs were shared as the team was able to connect on a deeper level with those they have worked with but had never met in person, or didn’t know at all. Tracy Emara, Vice President of Business Development, who orchestrated the event said that, ”The vibe felt like one team, one community of folks from all of our practices. It was so nice to have one place where Vetcor team members could enjoy some downtime away from the conference to relax and get to know other Vetcor folks.” Kaley Unger, Director of Business Development shared, “As someone who works a role primarily from home, it was refreshing to see and interact with colleagues across our network—whether it be a technician/support staff, service center member, leadership, veterinarians, etc., we came together to be one Vetcor and celebrate the work we do day in and day out taking care of our clients and their pets. Colleagues across the network wish that there were MORE events throughout the year that brought all of Vetcor together!” With hospitals all over the country and also in Canada, building relationships is important, Kelly Savarino, Director of Business Development, Canada mentioned, “Connecting over 100 Vetcor employees at our event is a great part of our company culture.”
This year Vetcor also hosted a graduation event for those who completed the first-ever VetLife Veterinary Mentor Certification Program. The program covered many topics including best practices for giving feedback and fostering independence. These doctors reflect our values of building community and pursuing growth within our hospitals and in the veterinary community. The graduates enjoyed dinner together and a graduation ceremony led by Dr. Michelle Shoemaker, Chief Veterinary Officer. Dr. Shoemaker had this to say about the graduation, “It was such a successful event and wonderful to see the sense of community that was created with this program.” Read more about this program.
As the first year of the VetLife Veterinary Mentor Certification Program came to an end, another group had its kickoff at VMX. The Emerging Leaders Program held its first course for both in-person and online participants. This class of Emerging Leaders are not necessarily new to a leadership role and they have very high potential and influence over their peers and coworkers. This program has a strong foundation in emotional intelligence (EQ) and has a customized approach to help develop these skills for each individual throughout the program. Dr. Megan Barnhizer, Chief of Staff at Animal Hospital, Inc. is one of the Emerging Leaders, “Going into it, I had no idea what to expect with EQ, I had some assumptions and I am glad that I was wrong! It is going to allow this group to become stronger but instead of creating thirty clones, it truly seems like it will allow each participant to strengthen their skills and recognize other areas they can continue to develop, all while maintaining their individuality." The Emerging Leaders Program will continue with monthly virtual calls throughout the year. We can’t wait to hear more about their experiences.
We look forward to the other events this year that will bring more of Team Vetcor together under the same roof. Check our events page to see where we will be next.
